How Smiling Friends Made a PERFECT Pilot Episode

[@_jappa_]

This pilot episode is one of the very few where when you show it to a friend, you don't say "Don't worry, it's just the pilot and the show's way different"

[@lvl1rock]

exactly! I don’t like introducing a show and having to say “it gets good later” like naw dawg make it good NOW

[@randomguy51090]

This was one of my favorite episodes :/

[@zan6102]

​@@lvl1rock main reason I don't like jojo's. I can push through the first few episodes if it starts slow, but I want good stuff close to the beginning. A good hook to get you caught , even if you need to prep the bait

[@DoktrDub]

@@lvl1rock true, some shows are exceptional though but only start kicking in a bit later

[@bensoncheung2801]

@@lvl1rock 222 👍

[@pinxelated2799]

This show really just came out and hit us with "Yeah, there's no intrinsic meaning to our existence, but there's ways for everyone to vibe and have a good time anyway" and that's the most grounded statement you can make tbh

[@lvl1rock]

THIS GUY GETS IT

[@pinxelated2799]

@@lvl1rock lmao thanks! Great video btw

[@tappajavittu]

Optimistic nihilism made into a show. Smiling Friends truly is a gem among adult comedy.

[@sticklarry]

there is a method of think that describes this perfectly. its called absurdism is direct response to nihilism.

[@mistery8363]

Nietzschean Nihilism! "Life has no meaning, accept it, go find your own and be happy!"

[@realkekz]

Something that I love about Charlie is how on a surface level he's totally apathetic towards his job and towards life in general, but after spending time with the character, you see that he's just as positive as Pim when he feels compelled to be. With as cynical as Charlie is at a glance, it begs the question why someone like him would be in such a social, face to face, and positivity focused line of work, and so this tells you quite a bit about who he is deep down. Charlie is an outwardly cynical character who is actually very personable and caring, and has a job that suits him. Contrast this with a character who has a comparable personality and dynamic, Squidward. Squidward and Charlie both work with beaming rays of positivity who love their jobs and are optimistic dreamer types. They both have a realist perspective on things, they say the things that people don't want to hear, and serve as the straightman for Pim and Spongebob respectively. Where Charlie differs, and what I think makes him much more human than Squidward is that he really isn't a deeply negative person, where Squidward hates his job, Charlie actually is passionate for his, just worn down by the day to day that comes with it. Squidward very seldom gets in on the fun unless he's pushed way outside of his comfort zone, whereas Charlie is just as wacky as Pim, but more reserved and grounded. What's truly magical though is how there are so far only 9, technically 10 episodes of Smiling Friends available to the public, at 10 minutes a pop; meaning there is a little over a half hour of Smiling Friends. In this very short amount of time they have created multifaceted and layered characters worthy of essays in a COMEDY. These guys are great at what they do, Smiling Friends is lightning in a bottle, now I just hope they don't fumble season 2.

[@zeeteepippi275]

That's interesting because it's a similar dynamic of exploring the human element of negativity, with Squidward as the counterargument to Spongebob's naive optimism even in the face of people blatantly taking advantage of him. Squidward's situation has some parallels with Desmond, but the feelings are more externalized into contempt for others. In fact it kind of builds of the whole idea of what happens when the purpose you find doesn't work out and you're stuck in the same situation.

[@Emmariscobar]

"There are so far only 9 episodes of Smiling friends, at 10 minutes a pop; meaning there is a little over a half hour of Smiling Friends" 9 * 10 = 30 *‽*

[@realkekz]

@@Emmariscobar I probably meant hour and a half thanks x

[@VixxterityVT]

they didn’t fumble season 2 🙂

[@mistertwister2000]

Something that the creators Zach and Michael have mentioned is that the reason the humor works so well is how characters react realistically to cartoonish situations. If I was smarter I could probably tie that into the theme of the pilot somehow.

[@Ch4pp13]

*thinks back to the episode of the episode of the teens begging for their life in front of Mr. Boss when they literally seconds ago spouted "life is meaningless" messages* yeah...

[@TheSundayShooter]

​@@Ch4pp13 Shame that Grim and Gnarly get got moments after their character arcs as a punch line to the "Renaissance faire" joke as if though in resignation to the idea that "Nothing matters, Morty!"

[@godsfool5284]

Life is one whole absurd, cartoonish situation.

[@OGEdger]

@@TheSundayShooter *Renaissance men

[@TheSundayShooter]

@@OGEdger But that's not- they don't look like Renaissance... men. Wha- that's like a completely different era

[@Fleshi_Guy615]

Also, the fact that the guy has his gun fixed to his head in that exact spot regardless of circumstance for the entire episode is both kind of funny but also really depressing

[@Crabbadabba]

That’s what I found really funny.

[@matty_isthemotto]

That's the whole idea

[@Fleshi_Guy615]

@@matty_isthemotto I think I either wrote this because it wasn't really something that was mentioned or explored in the video, or because I just felt like writing my thoughts down without regard for how redundant it may have been. I'm leaning towards the latter, but I'm too lazy to rewatch the video to find out.

[@matty_isthemotto]

@@Fleshi_Guy615 fair

[@geminiguy6032]

One thing I didn't learn until recently was the little Cheese thief was actually going after Charlie, probably cuz he mistook him for a big and yellow cheese, and Desmond was stepping in to defend Charlie.

[@someguy4384]

One thing I absolutely adore is that they didn't use just a generic Glock or 1911 looking gun. They brought out a S&W Performance Center Model S&W500. It's the kind of gun no one actually buys and you only really saw it one time in a magazine, but for some reason that adds this extra level of hilariousness to the scene for me. I'm sure there's a metanarrative reasoning as to why they picked that gun. It's obscure, relatively unknown, and so cartoonishly sinister looking (in this scene) that it very much doesn't look like a real firearm. But God damn it, it is. And it tickles me pink every time I watch this episode.

[@Crabbadabba]

Yeah they knew what they were doing, definitely the funniest part to that character design.

[@KodeKhot]

He was making sure not to miss. He was very determined.

[@gnarwhal7562]

I think the fact that Desmond uses such an obscure gun is an indicator that he's meticulously thought about and planned out ending his life....that, and it is a comically oversized weapon

[@imperialbricks1977]

*ears prick up* Fellow gun nerd?

[@Positive-Vibes-77]

@@imperialbricks1977*IMPERIAL SCUM!* REEEEEEE

[@joshonlunch]

Rock just got so much exp for this vid, truly fantastic work

[@lvl1rock]

thank you lunch man

[@neotrix2009]

Now he's only 1,000,000,000 EXP from being Lvl. 2 Rock

[@littleblueclovers]

@@lvl1rock I love the idea that the sub count is just the XP this rock has

[@mixox1197]

@@lvl1rock Level up your rock

[@Itsyrm8]

The actual shocking thing about desmond is his unbelievable line "my dog died from a broken heart" (ie his dog 's heart was broken to death, not his)...

[@Apophis40K]

It's also probably a hint to star wars and to that extend Mr plinket who voices the Charakter and he is known for his star wars prequal reviews

[@TheRainWorldCreature]

I thought it was a refrence to where the red fern grows

[@bigmike8586]

Dogs can actually die from broken hearts; this has been observed in African painted dogs which lose their entire packs and end up alone. They sometimes die shortly after, not directly from malnutrition or exposure, but because they no longer have the close social bond that they had spent their lives alongside.

[@Itsyrm8]

@@bigmike8586 yeah, you can tell by thecway they look at you, very expressive eyes, only a fool blind person cannot understand that dogs have feelings like compassion & love for someone they for some reason trust

[@Shizkeb]

the pilot taught me that if I want to be happy someone else needs to die by my hands

[@theobloomquist7330]

I watched this video in its entirety and figured with the quality you’d already have thousands of subscribers. Surprised I stumbled into such a great channel this early, nice work man.

[@lvl1rock]

thank you so much! glad you stumbled in too, hope to see you around here :)

[@lamb_link]

For real, I was his numbers and had to do a double take. Completely unbelievable, true hidden gem right here.

[@convoid1888]

It happens a lot. There are also a lot of trash youtubers that are incredibly successful.

[@logangustavson]

"Watched the video in its entirety" lol you make it sound like its crazy to watch a 15 minute video on KZbin

[@diarkard4615]

Holy you’re right

[@newrecru1t]

This is kinda what makes me appreciate Bojack Horseman's pilot, it actually starts off weaker than the rest of the show because it later intentionally subverts those first impressions; what seemed like another Family Guy clone turned out to be soo much more than most TV could ever hope to achieve. I almost didn't give Bojack the time of day, but when I did give it that chance? It took me for one of the wildest rides I've ever had.

[@lvl1rock]

yes! it goes from “funny horse show” to one of the realest & most profound cartoons ive ever seen and I love it

[@goosewithagibus]

It went from "talking horse show my friend likes" to "my favorite show ever, holy shit, how the hell did that happen??"

[@anarchyfork2676]

That's why you can't always trust first impressions. Think about your closest friend. When you first met them, the conversations you had then would have most likely been extremely different to the ones you may have now. The same goes for anything, whether its a tv show like Bojack Horseman, food, music, a book, whatever. Often people miss out on things because of first impressions, its the halo effect of the human being, to judge someone or something as is based on the very first interaction. I started Bojack Horseman because I was bored, but I stayed because of the themes and how it reflected so many aspects of my life at the time of watching it. 'The View from Halfway Down' episode hit me like a ton of bricks.

[@isaiahgomez6575]

Dude, the transitions are cinematic affff, thank you for keeping my scrolling eyes stimulated throughout the entirety of this video

[@lvl1rock]

ty king

[@pepsiboys101]

I like how Desmond’s one hand is drawn like a real hand and the other just has Pim fingers

[@gffn7316]

2:50 The perfect editing. Had to acknowledge that effort into detail

[@RaynmanPlays]

That is genuinely the correct solution. Desmond is right about all the standard answers being momentary distractions. Which, yeah, a lot of the time, suicidal thoughts are simply "in the moment" and getting past those momentary thoughts can help, but it's not a long-term solution. It doesn't stop them from coming back (and the standard answers will be less effective when they do) and it doesn't help with chronic suicidal thoughts. But finding purpose in life and putting that purpose into action? _That_ is what provides help in the long-term.

[@sipher1132]

Both great insight on mental health and making a good pilot episode. I'm looking forward to seeing your channel grow.

[@zuzingo.]

I love how Desmond's right hand looks like it was drawn by a 6-year-old and his left hand was drawn by an actual animator.

[@HAMR13]

What an amazing pilot episode to your channel. Can’t wait to hit all the things and watch more of your videos.

[@lvl1rock]

thank u for typing words into the comment box :D

[@linkmaxwell]

I think Desmond's depression is caused by something deeper than what you were dancing around. The reason Pim didn't get through to him was that everything he tried (family, friends, fun) were all focused on the self. What Desmond needed in his life was PURPOSE. He needed to make a positive impact on the world. Becoming an exterminator meant that his actions stopped being focused on his own emotions and became about being part of society as a whole. It gave him a reason that he needed to get cleaned up, throw on a suit, and get out of his dark room. I truly believe that what causes so many of us (myself included) to spiral into some very dark places is this feeling that we lack any kind of purpose, that horrible sense nobody will care if we disappear forever (or worse, that it will actually make others' lives better).

[@c.dl.4274]

I thought that on my initial watch too but seeing this guy dismantle the plot like he did was enough to convince me it wasn't thay straight forward. To put it in another way, saying "purpose is the answer" implies that there is one correct answer. Meaning Pim could have just argued that. But that's not what happens. He discovers his purpose unintentionally by being in a place and time he wasn't used to being in. The answer isn't a "a one size fits all" solution and I think that's the point.

[@c.dl.4274]

Plus this guy went to college so

[@ogpillow0872]

this may be true, but i dont think that this is the only answer. this might be the solution for some people, but not for everybody. its all subjective. your solution might not be somebody else's. and thats perfectly fine! but it might not work for everybody. to me, reading over your thesis honestly sounds depressing. the idea that the only reason life can be enjoyable, is because you have some kind of purpose really scares me. but, thats just me and my veiws. there isnt one end all, be all solution. and thats perfectly fine too. :)

[@TheSunshineGroup]

@@ogpillow0872 why does the idea that a fulfilled life requires purpose scare you? It seems to be what most of the world does to move forward (find a partner and have children). I’d personally say that’s a nice reason to live-you’re trying to improve humanity by making offspring and teaching it your morals. Others find purpose in God and serving him. It’s always different but purpose is key. That’s just my take at 6am

[@ogpillow0872]

@@TheSunshineGroup because why should i need to spend my life serving other people? why is that the only thing that should make me happy? i feel like if i dedicate my life to serving other people, whether it be raising children (that i dont want) to "further humanity" or serving a god (who i dont believe in), or even just serving society. it feels like its taking away my life, and my choices. one of the things that gives me the most joy in the world is sitting down and making things out of clay. the things i make don't serve any purpose, they don't better humanity in any way, but it gives me so much pleasure, simply because *i* enjoy doing it. i need to be clear though, if having some kind of purpose makes you feel happy and fulfilled, my all means keep doing that. thats absolutely amazing and im glad you found that for yourself. this is just simply my opinion. :)

[@jocelynsolis3671]

I thought this was from like some KZbinr with millions of subscriber from how high quality this is- BUT THIS IS YOUR FIRST VIDEO- honestly amazing work. Can't wait for whatever else you do!!

[@lvl1rock]

ty so much! I will get a million subs just for you then put a screenshot of this comment in my 1M subs video

[@PrincePossum]

@@lvl1rockput me in the screenshot

[@menaatefadly]

Wait that is his FIRST?!? Oh god the new generation is coming out of the woodworks banging hard. Wait this is like the pilot episode of his channel and it’s about the perfect pilot episode. Son of a biiiiitch

[@dir-gk]

@@lvl1rock addd me add me in it too mr. rock man.

[@Jesoysauce]

This is an extremely detailed video, especially made by a person with under 100 subs. Keep going!!!

[@lvl1rock]

thank you so much! I will :D

[@ChimpDeveloperOfficial]

@@lvl1rock This a great video that got me to think about how I can make something that connects with people. Not only that, but seeing this actually gives me hope that all I need is to make one banger and that can multiply my reach an order of magnitude. Congrats to you!

[@IHamilton9320]

@@lvl1rock oh wow he went from basically 0 to 3k in 10 days! Fully deserved I hope this channel gets more attention keep up the good writing

[@Krabnut]

To perfectly sum it up, this pilot constantly makes me break down into tears and giggles when I'm at my lowest, so all I can say is thank you Zach and Michael

[@AbstraktNG]

This episode and Mr Frog are the greatest. We learn about the characters and how they act, having different motivations and goals

[@patrickfossing5411]

Such a good video, definitely deserves more views

[@lvl1rock]

ty sm :D

[@s1n_er387]

How fitting that this video is a perfect pilot for your channel! Absolutely amazing video!

[@lvl1rock]

:D appreciate you

[@markodavid7130]

Holy shit when I watched this I thought this channel was gonna have at least a few hundred thousand subscribers because of how high quality it is, good job man this was really well made

[@PuffyKat]

Things this show did that made me love it undyingly: 1: Zach

[@plushonarush]

Bruh the "I WENT TO COLLEGE" had me crackin up, love this video and keep up the amazing work! UwU

[@_jd_261]

i will say too that Pim also has part of his character developement because he than uses that same tactic of "we know the sun is going to blow up/we all die one day" but instead turns it back into his original optimism saying that life has meaning because of the meaning you give it like spending time with friends/family, etc. I think thats a really good detail they added later especially for the fact that Pim is seen so out of it by the end of the pilot. Love the attention to detail in this show and thanks for the great vid on it!

[@BonelessPopcorn]

Didn’t know this show existed now I must watch

[@lvl1rock]

now that you've watched it what do you think

[@astrobeef8231]

show seems pog af no cap fr on god

[@BonelessPopcorn]

@@lvl1rock The show is in fact pog fr on god no cap. Every episode is fked up in its own special way

[@chickennuggetpaw]

As an aspiring writer, my passion for writing is honestly what’s keeping me going. The hardships I encounter do inspire my work, but another way I get through this time in my life is by looking forward to my future when I can (hopefully) achieve my goals. Your ending point is very true, if you ask me.

[@RooneySparks]

I like how Desmond as a person is an honest-to-God murderer but feels like he has no agency over anyone's life but his own. His self-esteem so low that he's resulted to holding himself captive, literally threatening to make people watch as he kills himself. But when he figures out that he can kill the little creatures, and he's allowed and expected to have agency over the lives of other beings, that's when it all pieces together. He's not just some poor chump was down in the dumps. He's a genuinely horrible person who wants to control and take lives as he will, even if he's resulted into threatening his own life to spread pain, it's awesome! 🤣

[@literallyglados]

at least in the end his chosen target was those purple hellspawn and not, like, other people

[@mundomundo7722]

Regardless, he still makes a positive impact on his local community. Also, he was a poor chump that was down in the dumps. His family left him, and his dog died. I'd be pretty depressed if that happened to me

[@RooneySparks]

​@@mundomundo7722 Right? He's just a poor critter down on his luck! He needs help or *he'll just fuckin shoot himself and make everyone watch* ....

[@RooneySparks]

@@literallyglados Yeah he made a lot of progress to. When Charlie goes to hell it's just filled with them lol

[@norrecvizharan1177]

@@mundomundo7722 I feel like, in a way, it goes to show that there's no shame in having some dark aspects and feelings on the mind, just so long as you find a proper and safe way to channel it so that others don't wind up hurt in the process. And in Desmond's case, he's releasing his murderous tendencies through pest control. Everyone's flawed and has sides of them that they don't like, but the only real difference between a shitty person and a good one is if they go about things in a way that actively hinders and harms everyone else around them, instead of trying to be beneficial/positive in some way. Or something along those lines at least. Words sure are hard at times.

[@oPhelps]

surprised this isnt as big as i assumed. this is a really good video. good shit man

[@lvl1rock]

thank you for being here from the beginning :)

[@TheFreckelz]

Desmond pointing the gun at his head at all times in an incredible intersection of character design and narrative suspense.

[@mrhenk007]

14:24 "they've actually done some real thinking about things about hopelessness, loss and dread." "Tomar, if there was a video of your actual real death, would you watch it? And it was guaranteed it's how you really die."

[@TokumBeatbox]

Absolutely loved this video. Deserves way more views

[@tp4bunghole108]

really good video. It’s what i love about smiling friends, it kind of puts the sheer absurdity of life into perspective

[@Sharkmac42]

It's not just finding something that was missing, it's about what that something was as well. Something proactive and productive. It's not just riding a new rollercoaster, it's stepping up and helping someone. It's the idea that motive power, an antidote to hopelessness, comes not from pursuit of simple pleasures or happiness, but from the voluntary acceptance of responsibility. Accepting and pursuing responsibility gives you the motivation necessary to combat existential hopelessness. I mean, I haven't seen the show, but that's what I gathered from the play-by-play. Good vid.

[@IchamukoI]

I already understood a good chunk of the episode already, but I had never considered the facts that the message was so direct to the user, i'm glad you pointed out the thing with how they use desmonds perspective in the beggining.

[@Perniciles]

Hey just wanted to say, been very depressed recently and this video managed to be the pickup I needed to start doing something good for myself today. Thanks!

[@lvl1rock]

best comment ive gotten. ty for sharing, this means the world ❤️

[@aldoramessinger7835]

Love it! I’d be curious about a deep dive into The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack. I feel like there was a time where the whole purpose of cartoons was to make us uncomfortable. Like Chowder was real weird, and I think it’s the same era of Squidward ripping off his toenail.. seriously what was that??

[@lvl1rock]

Yes! I would love to dig into Courage the Cowardly dog on that subject. The squidward toenail bit was a wild piece of history I'll never forget.

[@gfkxj123]

The Squidward thing was because in seasons 1-4 Spongebob sometimes they would have shots where they would make characters look photo realistic to emphasize a joke about their appearance you mix in that with jokes about Squidward getting his comeuppance for being a jerk character. Mid to later seasons of Spongebob are either rushed writing wise or just simply don't understand this and you can see around these seasons Squidward goes from a cynical character who gets punished for his misdeeds to a punching bag for Spongebob to annoy. The team brought on after season 4 really did not understand the characters or the comedy. You have so many episodes which just feature gross out humor like: The Splinter, The gift gum, or Squid baby to name a few. And all of these are widely agreed as some of the worst Spongebab has to offer. And since the barrel seemingly has no bottom you get the spin-off: The Patrick Star Show - Which amplifies all of the worst aspects of later sponegbob seasons.

[@gerberpac8628]

i looked at your sub count, and was like, "oh nice this guy has 149k subs" but i did a double take and realized thats not the case. u definitely deserve 149k subs tho, great work

[@HamBone49er]

holy shit GREAT script my dude. LOVE the video can't wait to see more :)

[@lvl1rock]

thank you mr ham!

[@Scarfy101]

the fact that you made a video about a show making a perfect pilot that accurately tackles the topics it will cover, is funny, and has meaning, while it also being your (from what i know) first video is in itself a good example of what a good pilot is, and i can bet money you did this on purpose. i look forward to seeing what other content you make in the future, i loved this video.

[@aayzhuhh]

I thought I found a video from a very popular channel. Only 233 subscribers is crazy but your time is definitely coming. Keep up the amazing work

[@lvl1rock]

thank u so much!!

[@kameronbelcher]

How lvl 1 rock made a PERFECT first video. Seriously though, I had no idea I was watching a small KZbinr until I went to your channel looking for more videos, incredible work, hope you plan on continuing.

[@lvl1rock]

thank you so much!! more is on the way. appreciate you being here :)

[@starjumper]

I think this is one of the only video essays that have convinced me to watch the show/movie in question right away. Great vid btw, you deserve more views and subs

[@monsterfukk7737]

I wish I could get Zach and Michael to watch this and get their thoughts on it. I could see it either being "Yes, we absolutely intended all of this structure in the show" or "We were just bullshitting and threw together whatever seemed funniest"

[@SillyLilDawg]

KZbin has been recommending a lot of underrated channels that need to be seen, the editing and high-quality of this channel is insanely amazing. I’m glad to have been here at 523 subscribers and I genuinely can’t wait to see you grow into a Lvl 100 Rock

[@lvl1rock]

thank u for being here!! :D

[@andreacerulli9669]

The pilot is my favorite episode of Smiling Friends It's just too good, I love the creepy touch it had I hope for the second season they add more things like that

[@totally_sam]

I feel like your channel is gonna blow up someday, this was really good! Truly underrated

[@lvl1rock]

if you're right then this comment will age well. thank you for watching!

[@rockinroller25]

I stumbled upon this video on accident and you managed to sell me on checking out this show. The way you describe the “perfect pilot” is what I can agree on immensely and a show that immediately comes to mind for me where I got hooked on a show by its pilot would be The Sopranos.

[@coryisabsent]

BRUH this was fantastic!!! Ive been brainstorming ideas for my own channel and this really inspired me!! Looking forward to the next video friend :)))

[@lvl1rock]

thank you cory pls do cant wait to see ur videos :)

[@flibbleexists]

i love how the pilot video to this channel is about (among other things) putting effort into your pilot, kinda smart I hope that was intentional

[@lvl1rock]

practice what you preach! thanks for noticing ;)

[@greg2171]

so glad I found this channel, can't wait to see where it goes

[@D3NPC]

2:55 HOW DID YOU LINE THAT UP SO WELL

[@holly3909]

i watched the pilot of smiling friends for the first time ever while stoned out of my mind and it was quite the experience

[@spit.or.swaIIow]

15 minutes in and I already forgot it's about the TV show and not about the bleakness and futility of life in Desmond's perspective, well... until you reminded me. Shows the greatness of the pilot episode to have someone who haven't even watched it become invested by just listening to someone on YT on why its so good.

[@mugensharp]

Alot of food for thought. Great video!! im definitely checking this show out now for sure

[@apemaster13]

I love my ability to never read something correctly the first time around cause i saw the thumbnail and thought it said “autism vs hopelessness”

[@TheTSense]

"It's always been like this. For everyone. Nothing has changed. Not today, last week, 5 or even 50 years ago. Yet you were happy once. Other people are happy right now. What? Was that just not knowing any better? So knowing better make you feel worse? What if, what if that is just part of it. Always has been. Happiness doesn't work without the dark parts. You can't enjoy warmth without knowing coldness. Stop seeking out coldness"

[@FrostBlueFire]

I think you leveled up with this video. 10/10, i felt like there was a deeper meaning to this episode, but couldn't really put words to it. Noice, you earnt a new sub

[@ChrisandRusty]

Needs more attention. Plain and simple. This video has the entertaining editing, fast enough pacing to be interesting the entire way through, show enough to be easily understood, funny writing and even the research. If this is something you're enjoying, keep it up!

[@callinclekons9841]

This is actually a really well made video for your first video

[@lvl1rock]

thank u :)

[@pinetree566]

Dude, this was a fantastic analysis of the show. Love to see it!

[@heckogoop4318]

This was fantastic man, i really hope you continue youtube.

[@lvl1rock]

I will! thank u for being here :)

[@sinaozgul980]

Wtf why does this hit so hard? Can’t wait till this channel blows up

[@lvl1rock]

the alg puttin in work rn

[@MikeSmith-yw7vb]

This was a great pilot video, I hope you gain more views

[@coreyjones992]

The first 20 seconds of this video that previewed while I was scrolling, was so compelling and interesting that I literally had to watch this video. This is how a KZbin video should be structured. Top notch stuff! It only took you ten seconds for me to subscribe. Bravo my good sir!

[@rustyshackleford234]

Just to put into perspective how traumatic middle school was for me: I started it as pim, and ended as Desmond. Middle school was the worst years of my life, the US could have another Great Depression or something and middle school would STILL be worse!

[@omstc2583]

0:09 is that the club penguin black belt...

[@BrassDragonLP]

I don't know why KZbin decided to show me your channel out of the blue like this, but I'm happy it did. This was such a nice breakdown of everything I love about this show in general. Thank you, small pebble-person.

[@elliottpak]

Desmond’s day out is actually one of my personal favourite episodes because of how it’s a great introduction to show the show lol Also, I’m probably looking way too deep into it, but I really like how Desmond doesn’t get his wife and kids back, but still manages to find happiness through a bibilie extermination business. Goes to show that sometimes you can’t get back what you lost, and can only look forward to future success in order to regain happiness.

[@Pollix780]

Still can't get over how they got Mike Stoklasa to voice Desmond

[@oliviapenelopehope4497]

Yo, rock dude. People on KZbin love media analysis like this. It makes for a great time. May you make it further than I did.

[@backbrunson2039]

What a great way to introduce the "theme" of the video with that into there.. Bravo, sir

[@markop.1994]

You litterally the best youtuber that is also a rock, keep at it!

[@radquwhack]

I love how the reasons the Pim have for optimism backfire. Instead of Pim showing Desmond a loving and functional family, Pim’s family is a complete disaster. I love this because is the argument between Optimism and Hopelessness, it shows that family and/or friends aren’t an end all be all solution to Hopelessness.

[@salty_3k506]

great video, great analysis. very well structured. keep up the good work. edit: a "pilot" or introduction that worked for me was Jojo's Part 2 where Joseph beats up cops. It has wit, great dialogue, a hopeless situation, charme, heroism, violence and a fight that showcases the power system and the main character's intelligence and wit, it's just great. Also JoJo part 4 Josuke vs Thugs.

[@lvl1rock]

you made me want to check it out! I’ve only heard good things :0

[@calebkooy2241]

This was a great video! I would love to hear you talk about the other episodes in a manner similar to this

[@jordanhickey5758]

Great video! Something that would have been worth touching on was the state of Pim by the end of the episode. Desmond more or less deconstructed Pim’s philosophy and the episode ends with Pim in a vegetative state, unable to come to terms with the shortcomings of his own philosophy. I really like your writing, and am looking forward to more of your content!

[@auraguard0212]

Well, Pim ultimately snaps out of it by the next episode. He accepts (or reasons) that the mood he's in is just as temporary as the pleasures he showed Desmond... and heck, as temporary as Desmond's own funk. His vegetative state is just as temporary as Desmond's, because both came to their low points for more-or-less the same reason. Odds are, Pim breaks out for a similar reason; he has to get back in the saddle. It's not like Desmond was suicidal while he had the previous things giving him purpose.

[@Brasstrix]

Bro wth this was a sick video. With the quality I thought you'd have at least 10s of thousands of subscribers keep it up!

[@ImmaLittlePip]

The virgin nihilist (Rick and Morty) vs the Chad optimist (Smiling Friends)

[@sorbiusfaust9022]

Good joke but your pfp is my little pony so your point is mute.

[@furioushugger4887]

*Moot, and who doesn’t like friendship??

[@HKG4]

@@sorbiusfaust9022what does that have to do with anything?

[@cybersentient4758]

​@@HKG4Look up mlp r34

[@HelterwithoutSkelter]

​@@cybersentient4758 and what does that have to do with this

[@TubiAlberto]

best beginning of a video i’ve watched in so long

[@ZyroShadowPony]

To me a perfect pilot is one that is very memorable and if its meme potential

[@AnotherBrother44]

You deserve way more subs than you have. Keep up the great work. Thanks

[@micahsnyder7299]

I think a big part of Desmond’s transformation is also his response to the call to action. Instead of standing around in shock at what’s happening, he steps up and responds. His response to the conflict causes a transformation in him and he finds his purpose. We often spend too much time thinking, and not enough time doing. Idle time feeds into our depression and hopelessness because we don’t feel any progress. When Desmond stops thinking and simply acts and does what he knows needs to be done, he learns that taking action is more important than thinking about what you should or shouldn’t do in every possible situation.

[@thememznvr3nd]

Absolutely an amazing video, for me that’s going to study visual arts, this makes so sure for studying that and also to understand a lot of the plot in another technical perspective Make more of this videos my man

[@lvl1rock]

thank u so much! I will :)

[@manuelperieouano4166]

This is the first time I’ve stumbled in your video and this is quality content!

[@BlueBerry20071]

"If your ad doesn’t grab my attention in 5 seconds im skipping it." No, you're skipping even if it does.

[@notbrandon8612]

most of them are basically just scams nowadays lol

[@theinhuman2205]

honestly very good commentary.

[@BaeBeeDahl]

Great work on the vid. Never even heard of Smiling Friends, but I watched this vid start to finish and you 100% sold me on the show.

[@pigiondacool3709]

My favourite pilot episode is this video considering it's the first on your channel

[@DSBC27]

Gotta tell I can´t resist a great thumb+video edit calls from KZbin! Great content, man!

[@GodsOfGaming]

holy fuck i just realised this was a pilot video to your channel, genius move mr rock

[@IceBankMiceElf77]

I rarely "like" videos.... but your breakdown was spectacular. Looking forward to more, hope you level up one day rock.

[@kalebdoom7944]

I like this show a lot because for the past few years the biggest shows have a “depressed asshole character” But this show doesn’t even have that and it’s actually really funny. Especially how lighting fast some of the characters can be

[@turnipswagginspriestessofm1659]

really interesting perspective on how the show interacts with the viewer. Really in-depth perspective! thanks dad

[@patheticdonkey8473]

I really liked this video, hope to see more of you in the future! :)

[@lvl1rock]

you will :) ty for checking it out!!